Dog Park Etiquette

By Brad Kloza

Just like the gym or the workplace, a dog park is a social place with its own set of proper etiquette guidelines. But what that means in a dog park isn’t always obvious. With the help of Charlotte Reed (author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette) and Cheryl Smith (a certified dog behavior consultant and author of Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe), we set the record straight on some important aspects of dog park decorum.

Q: I’m very protective of my small dog. I want her to have fun at the park, but I don’t want her to get hurt. Can I keep her on the leash so that I’m always close and can pull her out of rough situations?

A: Sorry, but no. A dog park is specifically for off-leash play. “A leash can create different reactions in the leashed dog, who feels constrained and unable to react as he or she may wish,” says Smith. “Leashes can create barrier frustration,” she says. This is a common dog behavior issue, where dogs may lash out because they don’t feel in control. If you’re still concerned about your pet, you might consider trying to establish an event for small dogs only at your local dog park.

Q: My dog gets really thirsty after running around in the park. Should I bring his water bowl for drink breaks?

A: Only if you bring him outside the park for the break. It’s too hard to keep the other dogs away from your bowl, and both Reed and Smith point out that a communal water bowl is also a communal germ pool. Nasty bugs like giardia can spread through water.

Q: What about treats? Since I dole those out by hand, they’re something I can control.

A: It's not a good idea to give your dog food in front of other dogs. Not only might you get mobbed and knocked over by jealous, hungry dogs, but other owners could also become agitated. This tip additionally applies to food you might bring for yourself. “The smell and sight of it will rile up the dogs,” says Reed.

Q: Aside from being a great place to exercise my dog, isn’t the dog park also a perfect place to find love?

A: Perhaps, but keep the former purpose at the forefront. Reed once witnessed a flirty woman become so enamored with a male dog owner that she didn’t notice her terrier escape the dog park and run away. The dog was smart enough to run home, but as Reed points out, “You should love the ones you’re with and not lose them by looking for love at the dog park.”

Q: My dog is always well behaved and can fend for herself. Is it OK for me to leave her in the park for 20 minutes while I run to the store?

A: Absolutely not. You are responsible for your dog’s actions, so you need to be there. “Believe it or not, people do this,” says Smith. “But the park is not to baby-sit your unattended dog while you go off and run some errands.”

Q: I appreciate that my dog gets to play, but I also like to use the dog park as a way to relax. It's not as if my dog is a 2-year-old child, so is it OK to bring a book to read?

A: No! Your dog is like a 2-year-old
child, and you need to pay attention. Do this for the sake of his or her
safety, and for the sake of the other dogs. And speaking of 2-year-olds, you
might notice that dogs poop whenever and wherever they want, and it’s your
responsibility to pick it up. “Piles of poop are the prime reason dog parks are
shut down or never open in the first place,” says Smith. Most people are happy
to clean up after their dogs, so a poop-filled dog park is likely the result of
people who don’t pay attention.

Brad Kloza is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to The Dog Daily. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and Discover.

Rate This Article

Posted on June 11, 2010

Kristen says: Great tips! My local dog park has a list of rules posted at the gates but it seems most people don't read them. Sigh. I wish more did! As for socializing Titan, I would suggest finding a quieter time at the dog park to take him when there aren't as many boisterous dogs running around to get him used to being around other dogs. Stay 20 mins max. Debbie, I personally got the impression that Cynthia hasn't had Titan since he was a pup and that's why she's trying to socialize him now at 3 years old. Try not to be so harsh!

Posted on June 11, 2010

Ashley says: Debbie, your post to Cynthia, was beyond harsh, and nothing short of extremly rude. SHe asked for advice, not to be judged. She clearly stated the dog was left with her and she is now trying to do right by the dog. And just because the dog wasn't socialized before, does not mean there is no hope for him. Cynthia, I think you should start out introducing your dog to things like the dog park in a very slow and controlled manor. Watch the Dog Whisperer he has great tips for situations like this. Good luck :)

Posted on June 9, 2010

debbie says: This is your fault, Like any dog they need to be socialized within the first 3 months.After that good luck. You are the reason Pitbulls have the reputation they do. Keep the dog at home. I would not want my Pitbull subjected to yours- she is a Liscensed Therapy dog!!!

Posted on June 1, 2010

DogBreedStore says: A great and thorough post! Thanks for the reminders!

Posted on June 8, 2010

Cynthia says: My pittbull, Titan, is 3 yrs old and unfortunately has been neglected in terms of socialization. I would love to take him to a dog park or even walk him on leash where other dogs are also being walked. I tend to walk him late at night to avoid any bad occurrences. I didn't exactly pick him as much as he was left with me. At home he is very sweet, but like any other 'toddler' very active. How should I approach socializing him so that I can have him safely out in publicand/ or a dog park?